Crypto Self-Custody Debate

Discussions center on the risks of storing cryptocurrency on exchanges like Coinbase or Kraken, advocating for self-custody with personal wallets and the mantra 'not your keys, not your coins' to maintain control and security.

📉 Falling 0.1x Finance & Crypto
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BlockFi OP techcrunch.com FTX DeFi ycombinator.com USD MtGox coinbase keys wallet coins crypto exchange cryptocurrency bitcoin custody wallets

Sample Comments

kyruzic • Dec 16, 2021 • View on HN

Use a trusted exchange if you are worried about that. Holding crypto in a wallet is the equivalent of keeping cash in your wallet.No bank in the world will care if someone steals your wallet.

thehappypm • Jun 11, 2021 • View on HN

Coinbase or any other exchange can certainly steal your coins, just like a bank can steal your money. Hosting your own private key is like having your money in your mattress -- it's as secure as you allow it to be, and once stolen it's gone forever.

patrickaljord • Apr 24, 2019 • View on HN

You could be forced to use something like coinbase where they store your private keys. Actually coinbase already provides some kind of insurance in case they get hacked.

nonamenoslogan • Sep 10, 2021 • View on HN

Buy some, cold wallet it, forget about it.

typeofhuman • Jun 14, 2022 • View on HN

Not your keys, not your coins. Don't keep your assets on an exchange.

grubles • Nov 2, 2016 • View on HN

Just don't store cryptocurrency there:https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=3655137

driverdan • Jul 28, 2017 • View on HN

Your money is always at risk when you let a 3rd party hold it. You should not be storing cryptocurrencies with 3rd parties.

TekMol • Jul 28, 2017 • View on HN

Well.. at the moment are you at the mercy of Coinbase. Then you are at the mercy of Kraken. Why don't you just keep the coins to yourself?

DennisP • Sep 23, 2017 • View on HN

"Don't trust exchanges" is something most cryptocurrency enthusiasts will tell you. Make a paper wallet or get a Ledger. If you have a lot of funds, a safe deposit box is also a good idea.

alborzmassah • Dec 19, 2017 • View on HN

Should I be worried about having my cryptocurrency assets on an exchange?